A Classification Framework for Software Reuse

Software reuse is commonly used to leverage existing assets and to reduce development cost and time. Reuse can be accomplished by several different mechanisms. This paper describes these mechanisms and proposes a classification framework for them. The framework has two dimensions: retest scope⎯how the reuse impacts the need for testing⎯and binding time⎯when the reuse is realized. By examining these two dimensions, we define a matrix of reuse scenarios. The reuse scenarios in this matrix show different characteristics of flexibility and ease of maintenance. Based on this classification the paper recommends using different mechanisms to accomplish reuse for short-lifecycle single solutions, typical business applications and productized (COTS) solutions.